Trinidad and Tobago approves remote gambling order set for 2027 launch
The Caribbean nation will regulate online gambling starting in 2027 after Senate approval of the Remote Gambling Order.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO — Trinidad and Tobago will launch regulated online gambling in January 2027 after the Senate approved the Remote Gambling Order on October 2.
The order, which received unanimous House of Representatives approval days earlier, removes provisions under Section 76 of the Gambling, Gaming and Betting Control Act that previously criminalized operators offering remote gambling services internationally from within the country.
Attorney General John Jeremie said the remaining administrative measures, including procedures for licensing for local and foreign operators, are expected to be fully implemented on or before January 1, 2027.
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"The revenue implications to TT are very positive as there’s the ability to gain revenue on a global scale if this remote gambling industry becomes successful," said Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo.
He argued the move could unlock significant economic opportunities and generate new government revenue. Tancoo noted existing legislation barred operators from offering remote gambling services to people in other countries, with penalties ranging from fines to up to ten years’ imprisonment.
Between now and the January launch, the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago will coordinate with the Central Bank to finalise operational frameworks, including setting up digital payment integration and electronic money issuer licensing.
Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh said that despite prohibition, the practice of unregulated remote gambling had not been eliminated.
"Overall, the data indicates overall growth in the sector. In light of the objective of this order, which is to legislate remote gambling and create economic opportunity, the figures paint a positive picture for Trinidad and Tobago in the gambling sector," he added.
He noted the amendments could create revenue, employment and generate foreign exchange by allowing the country to participate in a thriving global industry expected to reach US$700bn in revenue by 2028.
Swaratsingh stressed that while the order would permit holders of a remote gambling licence to offer remote gambling, they would be required to adhere to rules.
"We intend to do this through proper regulation, rather than simply permitting unrestricted gambling activity," he said. "Through this Bill, the government has boldly taken the opportunity to establish a regulated industry which can create opportunities for economic activity while strengthening the State’s ability to monitor participating operators".
Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi questioned the speed at which the order was passed and wanted details on how licensing would be regulated. He noted that four years have passed since the Gambling Control Commission of Trinidad and Tobago was appointed in 2022.
He also questioned how the government planned to deal with a foreign exchange out of the country that he said was likely to occur. Jeremie said such issues would be addressed in or before January.
Demonstrating the scale of the existing regulated gambling market, Tancoo previously told the House of Representatives that there are currently 1,150 registered gaming-related accounts with the Board of Inland Revenue: 926 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts and 224 Club Gaming Tax accounts.
Revenue from the sector reached approximately TTD 72.66m (US$10.74m) in 2025, consisting of $15.06m in Gaming Amusement Tax and $57.60m in Club Gaming Tax.
He highlighted the results of a co-ordinated enforcement exercise carried out between October 2025 and February 2026, which generated 247 payments across 240 Gaming Amusement Tax accounts worth approximately $15.58m.